Imphal: The Manipur government on Monday lifted the temporary suspension of internet services in five valley districts with immediate effect, following a review of the state’s law and order situation.
The move comes just a day after the state had extended the ban on internet services until September 20. The government’s decision was issued by the Home Department, stating, “The state government has reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the state and decided to lift any form of temporary internet suspension in the state of Manipur which was in good faith imposed as preventive measure in public interest.”
The order, issued under the powers conferred by Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, authorized the revocation of internet and mobile data suspensions, including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands, and VPN services, across the state.
All mobile service providers were instructed to comply with the order and resume normal internet services immediately. The government also urged internet users to refrain from activities that could disrupt peace and potentially lead to future suspensions of internet services.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh also confirmed the lifting of the ban on Facebook earlier in the day, saying, “The internet ban in the state will be lifted, and services will be restored. I urge everyone to use the internet responsibly and refrain from sharing or posting any unnecessary or inflammatory content that may disturb the peace and harmony in the state.”
Singh added, “Pleased to attend the Golden Jubilee celebration of AMWJU at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today. The media plays a vital role in the effective functioning of democracy and raising the voice of the people. In this era of disinformation, the media must also strengthen its capabilities to dispel false narratives and uphold the truth.”
The internet ban was originally imposed on September 10 due to concerns over misinformation and inflammatory content spreading on social media platforms.
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The suspension followed mass protests in various parts of the state, where students demanded the resignation of Manipur’s Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh. These protests escalated into clashes between students and security personnel, leaving many injured, and a curfew was subsequently imposed in Imphal and nearby areas.
In addition, the state government has announced that all government institutions, aided colleges, and private colleges under the Higher and Technical Education Department will reopen on Tuesday, September 17.
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and if they had a Hide Expert VPN, the ban could be bypassed.